Pop-up Vendors
Businesses can operate in temporary retail spaces like booths at markets or festivals to sell their products. Pop-up vending is a great way for people to try out a business idea and build a customer base before jumping to a brick and mortar location. As a means to encourage and promote an inclusive and welcoming enviornment for startups who contribute to the diversity of the economic scene in Whitehorse, the City of Whitehorse creates and promotes opportunities where pop-up vendors can participate throughout the year.
Requirements may be slightly different for each market/event. Please make sure you fulfill the requirements as need per organizer.
All pop-up vendors must have:
– A Business License
For more information, visit the Business License page.
– A Development Permit (if you are designated a spot on public property by the City).
Please note, you do not need a Development Permit if you are participanting in a market, festival or special event. The event organizer will be required to have a Development Permit.
– A certificate of trade name from Yukon Government Corporate Affairs (if you are naming the business anything other than your own name).
- Apply to reserve your business name and pay $60 or complete the name reservation on the Yukon Corporate Online Registry and pay $40 by credit card
- Declare your business name and pay $25
– Approval from Yukon Workers’ Safety & Compensation Board (if you have employees or if the business is incorporated)
- Register your business and pay a security deposit (if you are a new employer)
– Approval from Environmental Health Services (if selling food)
- Apply for a permit to operate a temporary food premises (if you are operating a temporary food business, like selling food at a special event), or
- Apply for a permit to operate a food premises (if you are operating a food business, either in a building or as a food truck)
– Proof of general liability insurance with the City of Whitehorse named as additional insured in accordance with the City’s Lease, Encroachment and Property Use Policy, Section 4 (if you are on public property or attending a City-hosted event)
– Proof of third party permitting or licensing if applicable
Additional fees may incur depending on the organizer of the market/event you wish to attend.
Fees charged by the City are set out in the Fees and Charges Bylaw. Current fees are as follow:
- Seasonal business license (6 months) – $110
- Standard business license (12 months) – $176
- Development permit (not for special event vendors) – $350
Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for pop-up vendors to participate in festivals and markets. Some events are hosted by the City of Whitehorse while others are done in partnership with the City or privately. These are some of the opportunities you can consider.
Conventions
The Yukon Convention Bureau has a calendar of events that details all the conventions taking place in Whitehorse, Yukon. Some of these conventions provide an opportunity for pop-up vendors to display and sell their products to the hundreds of international delegates who attend.
Fireweed Community Market
The Fireweed Community Market takes place in Shipyards Park every Thursday during the summer from May until September. Approximately 70 weekly vendors join in on the occasion to sell produce, artisanal products, and fresh food. To become a vendor at the event, you must register to be a member of the Fireweed Community Market and comply with their market rules and guidelines.
12 Days of Christmas Market
The 12 Days of Christmas Market takes place at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre every day for two weeks in December. Find an array of locally grown and handcrafted items while enjoying holiday entertainment from buskers. To become a vendor at the event, you must register to be a member of the Fireweed Community Market and comply with their market rules and guidelines.
Spruce Bog
The Spruce Bog Christmas Boutique is a craft market that takes place at the Old Firehall every day for three weeks in December. Hosted by the Yukon Crafts Society, the market celebrates handcrafted items created by local artisans. To become a vendor at the event, you must register to be a member of the Yukon Crafts Society and comply with their market rules and guidelines.
Economic Development
4061 4th Avenue
Whitehorse, YT
867-334-1083
business@whitehorse.ca
Land & Building Services
6-151 Industrial Road
Whitehorse, YT
867-668-8346
adminbuilding@whitehorse.ca
Yukon Government Corporate Affairs
307 Black Street
Whitehorse, YT
867-667-5314
corporateaffairs@yukon.ca
Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health & Safety Board
401 Strickland Street
Whitehorse, YT
867-667-5645
worksafe@wcb.yk.ca
Yukon Government Environmental Health
2 Hospital Road
Whitehorse, YT
867-667-8391
environmental.health@yukon.ca